Jeff Rutt's Blog

A video of a local news channel from awhile back, to show how HOPE was started and is quickly becoming one of the best charities in the United States!

HOPE In the News

It was a great honor and privilege to be recognized by the Senate of Pennsylvania for my accomplishments as a home builder and for my work with Hope International. Here is a transcript of the letter I received from Senator Gibson E. Armstrong!

Copy of the letter to Jeff Rutt from the Pennsylvania Senate

February 12, 2008
Whereas, Jeffrey C. Rutt, owner and President of Keystone Custom Homes, Inc., is being honored with the 2008 Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award; and

Whereas, Mr. Rutt is founder of HOPE International, a Lancaster-based microfinance institution that empowers those living in need around the world to overcome many barriers through the provision of microloans, savings services, training and mentoring. Using his own funds, he founded the organization in 1997. Mr Rutt continues to be actively involved with HOPE International not only as a donor but also by serving as Chairman of its Board of Trustees; and Whereas, To Mr. Rutt’s great credit, Keystone Custom Homes, Inc has been awarded “Builder Magazine’s” America’s Best Home Builder award three times. He has also served as President of the Lancaster Building Industry Association and chaired local committees and boards. Additionally his contributions to local and international causes have been substantive.

Now therefore, the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania congratulates Jeffrey C. Rutt on the great honor which has been bestowed upon him; affirmatively states that his noble humanitarian endeavors will long be remembered and appreciated;

And directs that a copy of this document, sponsored by Senator Gibson E. Armstrong, be transmitted to Jeffrey C. Rutt.

I received another extraordinary letter of recognition from the Governor of Pennsylvania on receiving the Hearthstone Builder Humanitarian Award. It was such an honor to not only receive the award but also to be the recipient of this wonderful letter. As I continue my work with Keystone Custom Homes and HOPE International, it is my hope to make Pennsylvania and the world a better place for many.

Letter to Jeff Rutt from the Governor of Pennsylvania

To: Jeff Rutt

It is my pleasure to join with Hearthstone and Builder Magazine in congratulating you on receiving the Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award. This is a well-deserved honor and one that I know you will accept with your customary humility and dignity.

It is among our commonwealth’s most honorable traditions to serve one’s fellow citizens and ensure that all may enjoy the benefits of liberty, prosperity and happiness. You have accepted this challenge and demonstrated an extraordinary caliber of character and leadership that will strengthen us all as we work together to forget bold paths to a new Pennsylvania.

With your philanthropy in the home building industry, you established HOPE International, a global, faith-based, non-profit organization focused on poverty alleviation through microenterprise development. HOPE International has invested in the dreams of the poor in the worlds underserved communities so that they might be released from physical and spiritual poverty.

Throughout your career, you have surpassed the highest expectations and ideals of of citizenship and have already accomplished goals beyond what many will reach in a lifetime. Your achievements have rightfully earned you the respect and recognition of your colleagues, community and our entire commonwealth. I thank you for being an inspiration and outstanding role model for Pennsylvania and everyone your work has touched.

As Governor and on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I offer my gratitude and admiration for all you have given to Pennsylvania and the impact you have had on the lives of countless citizens throughout the world. Congratulations on receiving this prestigious award. May you continue to experience great success in all of your future endeavors.

Edward G. Rendell
Governor
March 13, 2008

Through careers in farming, a food plant, construction, and real estate, the creator of the HOPE Growth and Income Endowment saw what it took to succeed in various business endeavors.  Although the industries were different, much of what success required remained the same: hard work, frugality, and wise financial planning.  Through extensive involvement with HOPE International, the anonymous donor has seen these same traits propelling HOPE’s clients to success in fourteen countries around the world.

Even in the midst of an economic downturn that threatened the existence of many non-profits, the donor allocated forty percent of his generous 2009 donation to establish the HOPE Growth and Income Endowment Fund. His purpose was to provide HOPE with a fund that can be used to increase its financial stability in the years ahead, even while providing funds for current microloans.

Through extensive research, the donor knew that there are many effective ways to make a long-term impact through legacy giving.  In the past, he has written charitable gift annuities for other organizations, but for HOPE International he did something he had never done before by creating the endowment.  “Transferring assets into HOPE’S endowment has huge income tax and estate tax benefits. This is a tool that will enable donors to give more to help HOPE in their lifetime,” he explained.

With the endowment’s dual goals of growth and income, contributed funds are invested in quality, income-producing securities.  Seventy percent of the interest and dividend earnings are used to support HOPE’s mission, with the remaining thirty percent used to grow the endowment, which will then increase its annual earnings.  “The HOPE Growth and Income Endowment will create an efficient, long-lasting way to use a donor’s gifts that will grow tax-free and provide annual income to HOPE in perpetuity,” said the endowment’s founder.

The donor’s generosity and forward-thinking benefit HOPE as an institution, but ultimately it’s our clients who benefit.  “HOPE makes very good use of its donors’ gifts by providing microloans that are then repaid, allowing the initial funds to be reused again and again,” he says.  In the years to come, HOPE looks forward to reaching many entrepreneurs through the support of the HOPE Growth and Income Endowment.

As HOPE’s founder and as a businessman, I know the importance of planning for a strong financial future.  HOPE is pleased to be able to accept legacy gifts and grateful to those who wish to partner with us in making a difference through long-term giving.  For more information on how you can get involved, please visit www.hopeinternational.org and select “Make an Impact.”  – Jeff Rutt